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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Left-hander Jacob Latz took the mound for the Texas Rangers in a Cactus League matchup against the San Francisco Giants. The appearance serves as a critical audition for Latz as he competes for the fifth spot in the Rangers' starting rotation. He participated in fielding drills prior to the game as he continues his bid to secure a permanent role on the major league staff.
Non-roster invitee Drew Smith is competing for a bullpen spot with the Washington Nationals after signing a minor league deal. Returning from his second career Tommy John surgery, the 32-year-old has tossed two scoreless innings this spring. While his velocity is down, his pitch shape remains effective. The Nationals are evaluating whether he is ready for the major league roster or if he would benefit from additional time in AAA to fully acclimate after missing significant time.
Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle is set to return to the lineup for Saturday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers, starting in center field and batting second. Doyle had been sidelined since February 23 due to a sprained left wrist but successfully completed consecutive days of hitting in the batting cage. Before the injury, the 27-year-old had recorded a strong start to spring training, going 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored in two games.
Andrew Painter navigated a challenging start to his second spring outing, battling command issues to toss three scoreless innings against Toronto. Despite missing above the zone with his fastball, Painter avoided a "spiral" by relying on his secondary pitches and working with catcher J.T. Realmuto. The 22-year-old, who is competing for the Phillies' fifth starter spot, demonstrated the maturity and competitive mindset he developed during his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo takes the mound Saturday against the Kansas City Royals, looking to solidify his case for the Opening Day start. With Hunter Greene sidelined indefinitely due to elbow stiffness, Lodolo is a primary candidate for the role. In his lone spring appearance, Lodolo fired two scoreless innings with four strikeouts against the White Sox. He will look to build on that momentum against a more potent Royals lineup in today's 3:05 PM ET matchup.
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Enmanuel Valdez is in the starting lineup for today's 1:05 p.m. game against the Detroit Tigers, playing first base. Valdez is part of a Pirates squad that includes Tyler Callihan and Henry Davis. The game is being held at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida, and is available to fans via MLB Network and MLB.TV. The Pirates are using this contest to further evaluate their roster options during the 2026 spring training season.
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Tyler Callihan is set to lead off and play second base in today's 1:05 p.m. spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Callihan is part of a lineup that includes Henry Davis and Konnor Griffin. The game is available for viewing on MLB Network and MLB.TV, with additional coverage provided by the Bucs Dugout. The Pirates are continuing their spring training schedule in Lakeland, Florida.
Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis is in the starting lineup for today's 1:05 p.m. game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Davis will be catching as part of a Pirates group that includes Tyler Callihan and Konnor Griffin. The game is being covered by the Bucs Dugout and is available on MLB Network and MLB.TV. This matchup serves as a key opportunity for the Pirates to assess their roster during the spring training period.
Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter is in the starting lineup for today's 1:05 p.m. game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Joker Marchant Stadium. Carpenter, who recently saw action against the Boston Red Sox, will play right field. He is joined in the lineup by teammates Austin Slater and Spencer Torkelson. The game is being broadcast on the Tigers Radio Network and MLB Network as part of the team's ongoing spring training preparations in Lakeland, Florida.
Spencer Torkelson is set to play first base and hit in the heart of the order for the Detroit Tigers in today's 1:05 p.m. spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Joker Marchant Stadium. Torkelson joins a Tigers lineup that includes Austin Slater and Kerry Carpenter. The game is available to fans via the Tigers Radio Network and MLB Network as Detroit continues its evaluation of the roster during the Cactus League schedule.
Austin Slater is slated to serve as the designated hitter and lead off for the Detroit Tigers in today's 1:05 p.m. matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Joker Marchant Stadium. The game will be broadcast on the Tigers Radio Network and MLB Network. Slater is part of a Tigers lineup that also features Kerry Carpenter and Spencer Torkelson as the team continues its spring training schedule in Lakeland, Florida.
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kyle Leahy is set to start against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium today. Leahy is using this outing as a key opportunity to prove his viability as a starting pitcher to the Cardinals' coaching staff. He will face off against Mets starter Kodai Senga in a game that also features Masyn Winn leading off and JJ Wetherholt batting fifth for St. Louis as the team continues to evaluate its roster depth during spring training.
Chicago Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki delivered a standout performance in Japan's 8-6 World Baseball Classic victory over South Korea. Suzuki hit two home runs and walked with the bases loaded to help Japan remain undefeated in Pool C. Despite an early defensive miscue in center field, Suzuki's offensive production was the catalyst for the win, showcasing his power and ability to perform in high-stakes international play as Japan continues its title defense.
The Houston Astros have signed veteran catcher Christian Vázquez to a minor league deal, positioning him as the primary challenger to Yainer Diaz for the backup catcher role. While Diaz remains the focus, the team is prioritizing Vázquez's defensive reputation, leadership, and experience working with young pitchers. Despite Vázquez's recent offensive struggles, his high baseball IQ and familiarity with the organization from the 2022 championship run make him a key roster addition.
Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera was a late scratch from Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the New York Mets due to an undisclosed issue. The team has not yet provided specific details regarding the nature or severity of the concern. In his absence from the lineup, Chase Davis is expected to take over the designated hitter duties for St. Louis. Further updates on Herrera's status are expected from the organization shortly.
Luis Robert Jr. is nearing his Grapefruit League debut for the Mets after a productive start to camp on the backfields. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Robert's talent and the way the ball comes off his bat, emphasizing that the team's primary goal is keeping the center fielder healthy for the 2026 season. Robert, who hit a home run on Friday, is currently playing in minor league games every other day as he continues his progression toward full-time major league action.
Lucas Ramirez, the son of former MLB star Manny Ramirez, made a significant impact during his World Baseball Classic debut for Brazil on Friday night. Representing the Los Angeles Angels organization, Ramirez delivered a standout performance against Team USA, showcasing the talent that has many scouts curious about his professional future. The young outfielder's loud debut highlights his potential as he follows in his father's footsteps on the international stage.
Veteran catcher Christian Vázquez has signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros, which includes an invitation to spring training. Vázquez, a member of the Astros' 2022 World Series championship team, returns to the organization to provide defensive depth and veteran leadership. The move is intended to bolster the team's catching situation, with the club looking to leverage his extensive experience and preparation work to assist their young pitching staff.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Johan Oviedo is slated for his third spring training start today against the Tampa Bay Rays. After a shaky first outing characterized by three walks and nibbling around the plate, Oviedo showed improved command in his second appearance by attacking hitters directly and issuing no free passes. The team is closely monitoring his control and consistency as he continues to build his workload during the Grapefruit League schedule.
Romy Gonzalez will undergo an evaluation on Tuesday to determine if surgery is required for his injured left shoulder. The 29-year-old utility man has been sidelined for most of the spring due to persistent inflammation and was already considered a longshot for the Opening Day roster. If Gonzalez faces an extended absence, the Red Sox may look to Kristian Campbell, Nate Eaton, or Andruw Monasterio to fill the void on the active roster for the start of the 2026 regular season.
